GLACIER SOCIETY MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to:

“Preserve the heritage of the United States’ maritime exploration of the Polar Regions, provide an educational and reference source, train and educate youth”

Our Purpose:

The purpose of the GLACIER Society is to preserve the history of America’s polar explorations (especially in the Antarctic), tell the story of the Coast Guard and Navy icebreakers and provide educational resources including afloat training for our youth. The former Navy/Coast Guard icebreaker GLACIER will serve as the focal point of this effort (in her 32 years of service, GLACIER made 29 voyages to the Antarctic (15 consecutive) and 10 to the Arctic).

The restored GLACIER, alongside the pier, will include a working museum with operational displays, a reference library and conference area. The ARCTIC SCOUT, a completely restored and operational Arctic Survey Boat (originally carried on board the GLACIER), and a motor whaleboat, ARCTIC GAYLE, of the type used by the GLACIER, will provide youth training along the East Coast.

The North East coast of the United States is the home of several maritime historical sites/museums. With its unique emphasis on polar operations, the GLACIER will provide a worthy complement. The New England states, and especially Connecticut, were the home base of many of the early polar explorers. Thus it is very appropriate to have GLACIER home ported in Bridgeport, CT, where it will provide a key element of Bridgeport’s renovated Harbor community. The Society seeks support from the city of Bridgeport, the state of Connecticut, worldwide polar community and the icebreaker veterans throughout the country.

GLACIER SOCIETY RECEIVES INVITATION TO BRING GLACIER
TO BRIDGEPORT, CT
Click here to read the letter from Mayor Bill Finch.

PROPOSED AREA

ALONG BRIDGEPORT HARBOR

FOR USS GLACIER'S NEW HOME

Click here for a larger view of Glacier's new home.

GLACIER SOCIETY CELEBRATES
THE ARCTIC SCOUT FOR YOUTH TRAINING

It was 'Arctic Scout Day' at Brewers Pilots Point Marina, Westbook, CT recently when Glacier Society’s 39' arctic survey boat was celebrated for its use as an environmental and maritime training boat for youths 14 and older.

The Arctic Scout is an addition to the Glacier Society’s Youth Environmental and Maritime Training Project. On hand for the celebration were maritime and youth groups and supporters, as well as several corporate sponsors.

Society Chairman, Bernard Koether, presented awards to Amy Thompson, Marketing Representative for Caterpillar Marine Power Systems; Justin O’Neill, President of O’Neill Industrial Corporation and Shawn Devaney, Area Sales Director of Solidworks Corporation. Awards were also accepted for Dometic Corporation and Whitecap Industries.

Click here for photos - Part 1
Click here for photos - Part 2

WORK ABOARD THE ARCTIC GAYLE

The Arctic Gayle work crew included Sea Scouts, family and friends, and a crew from the American Airlines Volunteers. Pilot Brian Stephanak, Anna Marie Bieszczak and Cadet Ryan McDaniel lead the crew on electric repairs with BJ Bieszczak, all around mechanic and helper, working late into Sunday evening to get the new bilge pump installed. The Scout Arctic Gayle Leader, Randy Bieszcak worked with Ben and crew to refit engine with all new hoses, install new VHF radio, and cruise to a Cadet Lunch on Saturday! Busy weekend!

The photo shows Scout Arctic Gayle Leader, Randy Bieszcak(wearing the USCG cap) directing Cadets late into the evening! What a TEAM!

Click here for more photos

Special Thanks to Our Many Friends, Associations and Supporters

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

Click here for the Fall 2006 issue

Click here for past issues

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